A Manx teenager has spoken at a mental health forum at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London after receiving support from the Isle of Man charity Looky's Aid.

Jessie Quirk, 17, who has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety, was invited by the Cygnet Group to co-present at the event following his time as a patient at one of the organisation's adolescent mental health hospitals in Sheffield.

During a four-month stay at the hospital late last year, Jessie designed a welcome pack for new patients. The resource has since been introduced across adolescent mental health hospitals operated by the Cygnet Group.

The invitation to speak at the London forum followed the rollout of the welcome pack. Jessie travelled to the event with his parents, with financial support provided by Looky's Aid.

‘’It was amazing to be asked to attend the conference,’ Jessie said.

‘It was a bit daunting when they first approached me, but I really want to be involved. I spoke about my experiences, of the struggle of being a young person in hospital away from home, with no support network nearby.

‘I hope that the new model of care Cygnet is developing and my welcome pack improves the situation for young people.'

Jamie-Leigh Dakin, Quality Lead at Cygnet SheƯield, said: 'Jessie and his family travelled a long way to take part, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

‘Having Jessie there in person, speaking so openly and honestly, really helped the audience connect with what we were talking about.'

Brett Martin, Looky's Aid trustee, said: 'When we heard Jessie's story, and how he was turning adversity into opportunity, we immediately signed up to help.

‘To co-present a talk at a prestigious medical conference is a remarkable achievement and Jessie deserves great credit for rising above his own challenges and helping other young people in this way’.